It is now a real tradition for watchmakers to observe Chinese New Year by creating beautiful, decorative timepieces adorned with some symbolic depiction of the appropriate sign of the Chinese zodiac, often using rare, artistic techniques to pay tribute to the eastern calendar. And the Year of the Dog beginning on February 16, 2018 is no exception!

The new Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision is not only the most advanced Freak to date, it’s perhaps the most groundbreaking watch from the brand since the introduction of the original Freak more than 17 years ago. And it incorporates new innovations seen in 2017’s InnoVision 2 concept watch.

The classic dress watch gives you the same feeling that a good pair of perfectly fitting jeans or comfortable pullover does. For some of us, it might almost provide a sense of home. But most of all, it looks good in any situation. Here are Sabine Zwettler’s five favorite examples from 2017.

Delighting fans of Ulysse Nardin’s sporty side, the Marine line was enriched by the new Torpilleur in the summer of 2017, whose raison d’être was to introduce an entry-level price point to the line. Now, new limited editions of the certified chronometer with a decidedly new vintage feel and some military inspiration add a salty breeze to the new line.

At a time when the launch of a limited edition by one brand or another seems like an almost weekly occurrence, the Ulysse Nardin Stranger Anthem, which plays the Pakistani national anthem ‘Quaumi Tarana,’ is well worth attention.

Based on the most popular releases of 2017, it is possible that the almighty tourbillon may about to be usurped by something new and rather old at the same time: the chronograph. In this installment of Joshua Munchow’s “Here’s Why” series, he explores why the chronograph is the new tourbillon.

https://quillandpad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Zenith_VOG4174.jpg9981500Joshua Munchowhttp://quillandpad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/logo-header-scroll-qandp-335x193.pngJoshua Munchow2017-11-19 20:05:532018-08-09 08:28:17Here’s Why: The Chronograph Is The New Tourbillon

The trend toward blue has been in evidence for the last couple of years, adorning many haute horlogerie timepieces. Powerful royal and midnight blues and touches of turquoise add cool flairs to delicate sky- and ocean-colored hues. Blue has stood the test of time because it comes in such a remarkable variety of shades and nuances – from mysterious and dazzling to elegant and classic. Here are five blue-dialed watches freshly introduced in 2017.

If there is one complicated element that has been in a whirlwind (pun intended) of developments, it has been the tourbillon. And while tourbillons are still fairly expensive, you don’t have to spend $100,000 anymore, as many brands now have great offerings for even a third of that amount.

In this final round table discussion of the 2017 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the Quill & Pad team discusses the amazing evening of November 8, 2017 and what we thought of the big night’s winners (and losers).

https://quillandpad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GPHG-2017_9W0B3749.jpg10001500Elizabeth Doerrhttp://quillandpad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/logo-header-scroll-qandp-335x193.pngElizabeth Doerr2017-11-10 20:39:462018-11-12 12:56:51What We Liked And What We Didn’t Like At The 2017 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, Plus How Well Our Panel's Forecasts Did

A lot of great sports watches came out this year, many of which were able to break the mold of what a sports watch should look like or can do. This is vital for the industry as it retains the attention of potential buyers and shows that there is still creativity in one of the most popular watch segments. See what our panel thinks of the shortlisted watches in the 2017 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève’s Sports category.